Juan Martin Del Potro retired earlier this year in Argentina but he's battling with a hard desire to return to competing.
Tennis great Juan Martin Del Potro was always known as a hard opponent and a fantastic talent. After all, he was the first person to dethrone Roger Federer at the US Open after Roger had dominated for a number of years there. He had been prepared to retire from tennis for a time, and it eventually happened in Buenos Aires early this year but it was anything but easy.
"The last time I picked up the racket was in Buenos Aires. Later I did a couple of tests, but no: the truth is that the decision to play in Buenos Aires cost me a lot. And once I did that, and everyone saw the state of things, you know, that was a relief, a turning point in my life."
Even if he retired from tennis the burning desire to compete is still there and it will never leave. That is why Del Potro is still hoping and searching for a solution:
"I recently went to Switzerland to see another doctor. I started another treatment, it was recommended by many tennis players and so far I have not even had a positive result. Imagine what it’s like after every treatment attempt or surgery, the frustration I can feel when things don’t work out. As usual, I delude myself, I hope, I have faith in every new treatment I try and, when this fails, the blow is hard.”
The situation is hopeless for Del Potro who realises that it's something that will never leave him as explained:
“And for three and a half years, despite several surgeries and treatments, it always happened. Today I can only walk, I do not run on the treadmill, and I cannot climb the stairs without pain. I can’t drive for a long time without stopping to stretch my legs."
And finally he added:
"I can’t psychologically accept a life without tennis. I did not have a gradual transition to the after, I did not prepare, I have no idea what the other athletes did to live this process peacefully. I was number three in the world, then suddenly I broke on my knees and here I am, with nothing."
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